Who We Are

Emmaus is built upon a community of staff, volunteers, clients, and donors united by a shared vision. "Where Everybody Matters" is more than a tagline. It represents our approach to resolving homelessness – one person, one family at a time.

Our Mission

Emmaus helps people rebuild their lives. We are called by our commitment to social justice to serve the homeless, disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed, and oppressed. We provide housing and support services that empower individuals and families to reach their fullest potential.

Emmaus is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Read our full statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our Vision

We envision a world where all people experience the dignity and joy of living in safe and affordable housing.

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Our Story

Emmaus was founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1985 by a group of concerned citizens to respond to the growing crisis of homelessness in Haverhill. Our first shelter opened its doors in January 1987 after purchasing a vacant multi-family home on Winter Street. We quickly realized that emergency shelter alone could not break the cycle of homelessness. Our clients wanted to gradually increase their independence while continuing to benefit from Emmaus’ support.

In the early 1990s, Emmaus became a community housing development organization, and focused on developing different types of housing to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Since 1987, we have developed 15 properties to house homeless individuals and families. Today, we own a total of 19 properties, operate 99 units of permanent supportive housing, and provide emergency shelter for 54 families and 30 individuals each night.

Emmaus continues to expand our services to meet the evolving and complex needs of unhoused individuals and families, including new initiatives for street outreach, homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, and supportive services for newly housed families. We maintain our strong tradition of engaging volunteers and community partners in this vital work. We are always looking for ways to create more affordable housing. Our work has been recognized as a model for helping homeless women, men, and children transition into stable housing and lead fulfilling lives.

 

  • 1984
    Emmaus is founded by a cross-sectoral group of concerned citizens who recognize the growing problem of homelessness in Haverhill and mobilize to start a shelter. Emmaus becomes an incorporated 501(c) 3 non-profit organization in August 1985.
  • 1987

    Emmaus House, our first shelter, opens its doors at 105 Winter Street in Haverhill with support from more than 200 volunteers and 30 faith groups.

  • 1988

    The agency purchases a 5,200 square foot structure and converts it into 14 single occupancy rooms (Gilead House) serving homeless adults with disabilities and substance abuse histories.

  • 1989

    The first Cycle for Shelter event was held at Northern Essex Community College on September.

  • 1992

    Emmaus secures its first 5-year grant from HUD and purchases a 32-unit apartment complex for the Bethel Transitional Housing Program.

  • 1998

    Emmaus develops its first permanent affordable housing project at 112-116 Emerson Street (Emerson Hall Apartments) by creating 13 units for homeless adults living with disabling conditions. Today Emmaus owns and operates 99 affordable units that house formerly homeless single individuals and families.

  • 1998

    Emmaus opens the George C. Wadleigh Center, an 18,000 square foot, 4-story facility located in the heart of the Welcome Street neighborhood with funding from 12 public and private sources plus hundreds of contributors to the $1 Million “Rebuilding Lives” campaign.

  • 2002

    Emmaus opens the new Emmaus Family House at 150 How Street in Haverhill. Today this building shelters up to 28 families at any given time, and staff and volunteers provide meals, supportive services, and housing assistance. 

  • 2005

    Emmaus first receives federal HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS/HIV) grant to establish a housing information and rental assistance program for people living with HIV/AIDS.

  • 2008

    Emmaus is named “Champion in Action” by Citizens Bank and New England Cable News (NECN) for its work in affordable housing development. 

  • 2009

    Emmaus opens Evergreen Place, 20 Single Person Occupancy permanent affordable apartments for homeless older adults.

  • 2012

    Emmaus is awarded state funding to establish 10 units of supportive affordable housing for families in emergency shelters, and secures additional funding for another 16 affordable apartments in 2015.

     

  • 2016

    Emmaus opens the D’Youville Center for Social Justice at 101 Winter Street in Haverhill. Today, parent empowerment programs, financial literacy classes, career services, weekly food/personal care item distributions, and our annual holiday giving program operate out of the center.

  • 2020

    Emmaus fulfills its mission and remains open throughout the global pandemic. We follow strict COVID-19 safety protocols and implement enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures to protect our community’s most vulnerable members and prevent community contagion.

  • Today

    Emmaus continues to provide emergency shelter and affordable housing to 300 families and individuals each night.

Our Leadership

Our Properties

Our Supporters